Gary Witmer (retired) 

Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist

USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

National Wildlife Research Center

Fort Collins, Colorado

 

Jon Grant 

State Director

USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Kendra Cross 

Assistant State Director

USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) occur 

throughout the prairie states of middle 

North America from Mexico northward into 

Canada. They occupy a variety of habitats 

from prairies to high mountain valleys and 

sage brush-dominated deserts. The most 

common species is the black-tailed prairie 

dog (Cynomys ludovicianus; Figure 1). 

Prairie dogs are considered a “keystone 

species.” They provide habitat for many 

other native, grassland species. Prairie 

dogs live in colonies or “towns” that can 

span hundreds to thousands of acres. 

Depending on the species, their presence 

is evident by their burrow system.

Despite the many ecosystem benefits 

prairie dogs provide by modifying 

grasslands, they also create conflicts with 

people when their activities cause 

damage. This damage can occur on 

agricultural lands, as well as in urban and 

suburban settings.

Wildlife Damage Management 

Technical Series

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services

March 2023 Prairie Dogs

Figure 1. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus ) are the 

most common prairie dog species.

Quick Links

Human-Wildlife Conflicts 1

Damage Identification 2

Management Methods 3

Economics 9

Species Overview 9

Legal Status 12

Glossary & Key Words 13

Resources 14

Appendix 16
Agriculture and Livestock

Prairie dog damage to agricultural crops can occur 

when a colony exists in or near cropland, such as 

alfalfa, hay fields, vineyards, orchards, or Christmas 

tree plantations. 

On pastures and grazing lands, prairie dogs can 

compete with livestock for forage. How much of this 

occurs and how serious it is, depends on many factors 

that vary with the specific situation. Although rare, 

horses or cows can be injured when they step into a 

prairie dog burrow opening. Occasional damage to 

farm equipment can occur when the equipment 

strikes a burrow mound or repeatedly runs over the 

uneven soil surface. 

Human Health and Safety

Like many rodents, prairie dogs can be infected by 

and transmit disease agents to other animals, pets, 

and people. The most serious of these is sylvatic 

plague, caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. People 

and pets can get plague after being bitten by a rodent 

flea that is carrying the plague bacterium. People 

should not handle plague-infected animals to avoid 

potential flea bites. 

Prairie dogs will quickly succumb to plague, though they 

may not appear sick during the early stages of infection. It 

is estimated that more than 90 percent of prairie dogs in 

infected colonies die within weeks to several months. The 

loss of a prairie dog colony over the course of a few weeks, 

in absence of human control, may indicate the presence of 

plague. 

Prairie dog burrow systems can cause injuries to people 

when people step into burrow holes, especially at parks, 

athletic fields, and other recreational sites.

Prairie dogs cause an indirect threat to aviation safety by 

attracting birds of prey and large predators to airports, 

making those species vulnerable to collisions with 

aircraft. 

Landscapes

Burrowing prairie dogs cause erosion and loss of water in 

some areas by weakening levees or dams leading to 

seepage or dam failure. They can also damage vegetation 

in developed areas and affect plant species diversity and 

abundance in more natural areas.

Property and Nuisance Issues

Prairie dog burrowing and burrows can undermine 

structures and roadbeds, causing damage. The animals 

can also gnaw through underground cables and irrigation 

tubing.

Damage Identification

Prairie dogs live in colonies and their presence, depending 

upon the species, is evident from the burrow openings and 

the soil mounds surrounding them (Figure 2). Prairie dogs 

not only clip vegetation as forage, but also to maintain a 

more open landscape so they can see approaching 

predators. As such, areas occupied by prairie dogs usually 

have sparse vegetation. Prairie dogs may also gnaw on 

tubing, cables, or young trees and shrubs.

Figure 2. Black-tailed prairie dog colony in Colorado.

Page 2 WDM Technical Series─Prairie Dogs
Management Methods

Utah and Mexican prairie dogs are listed as threatened or 

endangered species and are protected by law. Contact the 

State wildlife agency and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service (USFWS) for specific requirements and options 

regarding damage management methods for these 

species. If a prairie dog colony contains endangered blackfooted ferrets (Mustela nigripes), options for prairie dog 

control are more restricted. 

Responsible and professional reduction or elimination of 

wildlife damage is the goal of wildlife damage management 

practitioners. This is best accomplished through an 

integrated approach. No single method is effective in every 

situation, and success is optimized when damage 

management is initiated early, consistently, and adaptively 

using a variety of methods. Because the legality of different 

methods varies by State, consult local laws and regulations 

prior to implementing any method. In addition, regulations 

may require that a survey be conducted to determine if 

threatened or endangered species are present. 

For a summary table of prairie dog management methods, 

please see the Appendix. 

Habitat Modification

Because black-tailed prairie dogs prefer short vegetation, 

they can be discouraged from occupying certain areas by 

restoring native prairie grasses or planting agricultural 

crops, such as milo. On grazing lands, black-tailed prairie 

dogs can be managed to some extent by rest and rotation 

grazing practices, and limiting livestock abundance to 

maintain vegetation height. 

It is important to note that prairie dogs may disperse up to 

two miles to find new habitat and will clip tall grasses to 

make an area more suitable for prairie dogs.

Disease Management 

Plague prevention and treatment in prairie dog colonies 

includes treating burrows with pesticides to control fleas 

and administering an oral plague vaccine to prairie dogs. 

Pesticides are an important component of integrated wildlife 

damage management, and their use is regulated by Federal 

and State laws. All pesticides used in the United States must 

be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) under the provisions of the Federal Insecticide, 

Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as well as the appropriate 

State agency. Registered pesticides must be used in 

accordance with label directions. Some pesticides can only be 

applied by persons who have been specially trained and 

certified for their use. Each of the chemical methods listed 

below have specific requirements for their handling, transport, 

storage, application, and disposal. 

The most widely used pesticide (insecticide) for controlling 

fleas is deltamethrin. It is applied to prairie dog burrows, 

usually with specialized machinery (Figure 3). Grain baits 

that are non-toxic to prairie dogs but contain an insecticide 

(either imidacloprid or fipronil) are also registered for 

controlling fleas in prairie dog colonies. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 3

Figure 3. Prairie dog burrows are dusted with a pesticide to kill fleas that carry 

sylvatic plague. This protects prairie dogs, people, and other wildlife, such as 

endangered black-footed ferrets that rely on prairie dogs for food and are highly 

susceptible to plague. 
An oral plague vaccine for prairie dogs, which is a 

veterinary biologic, is authorized for sale and use under an 

indefinite conditional license by the USDA-APHIS Veterinary 

Services’ Center for Veterinary Biologics (Figure 4). The 

vaccine was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and 

the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is licensed to the 

Colorado Serum Company where the bulk vaccine is 

manufactured. The oral plague vaccine baits for prairie 

dogs are manufactured by (and can be purchased from) 

the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services’ Pocatello Supply Depot. 

In field trials from 2013 to 2015, prairie dog abundance 

and survival were higher on vaccine-treated plots versus 

untreated plots during plague outbreaks, suggesting that 

the oral plague vaccine baits provided some protection to 

prairie dogs against plague. 

Encourage Predation

It is possible to encourage natural predation on prairie 

dogs (Figure 5). Artificial perches for hawks and eagles can 

be erected in or near prairie dog colonies. These can be 

effective at increasing raptor presence since natural 

perches are often limited in grasslands and prairies. 

Nesting by these birds can be encouraged by attaching 

nest boxes or platforms to the perches. Because birds of 

prey may also feed upon native birds which have evolved 

on prairies where natural perches are limited, it is 

important to consider the potential negative impacts of this 

method to other prey. 

To encourage mammalian predators (e.g., foxes, coyotes) 

to hunt in prairie dog habitat, place objects, such as hay 

bales or vegetative debris, near colonies to provide cover 

and hiding places. 

Exclusion 

The main exclusion device used for prairie dogs is fencing. 

It is generally used to prevent the expansion of existing 

prairie dog colonies. Fences can be made from a variety of 

materials (e.g., course fabrics, plastic; Figure 6) but they 

must be applied both above and below ground, especially 

since prairie dogs can dig several feet underground. 

Unfortunately, barriers are expensive to install and 

maintain, and some materials do not weather well over 

time. Additionally, some prairie dogs may find a way 

through, under, over, or around the barriers. Vegetation 

barriers made of shrubs and tall grasses have also been 

used but are often breached or difficult to maintain. 

Fertility Control

In March 2022, the EPA registered the pesticide product 

“GonaCon–Prairie Dogs” (EPA Reg. No. 56228-64). It is an 

immunocontraceptive vaccine for reducing fertility in subadult or adult female black-tailed, white-tailed, and 

Gunnison’s prairie dogs. Laboratory and field studies by 

Page 4 WDM Technical Series─Prairie Dogs

Figure 5. It is possible to encourage natural predation on prairie dogs by erecting 

artificial perches and nest platforms for hawks.

Figure 4. Oral plague vaccine bait for prairie dogs (approximately 0.4 

inches (1 cm) in diameter).
USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services showed that GonaCon–

Prairie Dogs controls female fertility for at least one year. 

The product must be hand injected and may only be used 

in prairie dog colonies that occur in urban and suburban 

areas, open spaces and natural areas, parks, 

campgrounds, airports, roadway medians, and other noncrop use sites. The product can be administered by USDAAPHIS Wildlife Services employees or State wildlife 

management agency personnel, or persons working under 

their authority. 

Frightening Devices

Frightening devices, such as noise makers, sonic ground 

repellents, sulphur gas smokers, and predator decoys, are 

not practical nor effective for prairie dog management. 

While they may initially work, many mammalian species, 

including prairie dogs, quickly acclimate to them, rendering 

them ineffective.

Relocation

Capturing and moving animals (also known as relocation) 

is rarely legal nor is it considered a viable solution by 

wildlife professionals for resolving certain wildlife damage 

problems. Reasons to avoid relocating wildlife include legal 

restrictions, disease concerns, liability issues associated 

with injuries or damages caused by a relocated animal, 

stress to the animal, homing behavior, and risk of death to 

the animal. Check State and local regulations before 

considering relocation. 

In some settings, prairie dogs can be live-trapped and 

relocated to a site where they are desired or will not cause 

damage. This activity is regulated by State wildlife agencies 

and/or county commissioners. There are recommended 

steps to follow before relocating prairie dogs. These 

include preparing the receiving site before releasing 

animals. If old burrows are not at the site, “starter” 

burrows can be dug into the ground. Additionally, it may be 

necessary to monitor and manage potential predators (e.g., 

foxes, coyotes) before the release. 

Repellents

No repellents are registered for use with prairie dogs.

Shooting

Shooting can be used to help manage prairie dog numbers. 

It is important to check with State wildlife agency staff and 

local authorities to ensure that shooting is legal in the 

area. Shooting is done mainly in rural areas and is much 

more regulated, if not restricted, in urban, suburban, and 

industrial areas. Shooting may not be practical or costeffective in many situations.

Generally, .22 caliber or larger rifles are used. Accuracy 

and effectiveness can be increased by using tripods, 

shooting benches, telescopic sights, and/or spotting 

scopes. An advantage of shooting over the use of toxicants 

or fumigants is that it is species-specific and non-target 

animals are not at risk. However, prairie dogs may become 

wary and spend much more time in their burrows. 

Toxicants

There are two categories of toxicants registered by EPA for 

prairie dog control: oral toxicants and burrow fumigants. 

Toxicants are carefully regulated by State and Federal 

agencies. Label requirements must be strictly followed. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 5

Figure 6. Plastic barriers can be used in urban areas to help prevent the expansion 

of prairie dog colonies but must be consistently maintained.
Page 6 WDM Technical Series─Prairie Dogs

Prairie dog toxicants are restricted use pesticides (RUPs), 

except for gas cartridges, and can only be used by certified 

pesticide applicators.

Oral Toxicants

Oral toxicants for use with prairie dogs include the acute 

toxicant zinc phosphide and the first-generation 

anticoagulants, chlorophacinone and diphacinone. All of 

them are RUPs.

The EPA-approved labels require pre-baiting with untreated 

grain before using the acute-acting or single-feeding zinc 

phosphide products. This is to get the prairie dogs 

accustomed to eating grain and to prevent “bait shyness.” 

Zinc phosphide baits are commonly used on large colonies 

covering greater than 25 acres (10 hectares) and are 

registered in two general bait forms. One bait form 

includes grain-based compressed pellets containing 2% 

zinc phosphide. The other form includes coated whole 

grain baits (mostly oats, but also other whole grains are 

used; Figure 7). Coated grain baits containing 2% zinc 

phosphide are available commercially or mixed by 

applicators. This involves mixing the grain with mineral oil 

and zinc phosphide concentrate so that the final 

concentration of the toxicant on the grain is ~2% by weight. 

One tablespoon of zinc phosphide treated oats is typically 

placed near, but not on, the prairie dog burrow mound. 

Hand applications also may be used while riding an allterrain vehicle over large colonies. Treated grain is placed 

near each mound in the colony that shows fresh prairie 

dog sign, such as tracks and fecal droppings.

Generally, zinc phosphide baits are applied in late summer 

or fall when natural forage starts to brown and dry up, and 

the rodents are more attracted to seed and grain. 

Anticoagulant baits come as coated grain formulations 

either containing the active ingredient chlorophacinone at 

0.005%, containing the active ingredient diphacinone at 

0.005%, or containing 0.0025% diphacinone when 

combined with the insecticide imidacloprid for flea control. 

The EPA-approved labels require that these baits be placed 

inside the burrows of prairie dogs at least 6 inches below 

the surface. About 1⁄4 cup of bait is placed in each burrow 

showing fresh signs of prairie dog presence/activity. Prebaiting with non-toxic grains is required. Anticoagulant 

products can be used only from October 1 through March 

15.

The use of oral toxicants for rodent management can pose 

hazards to non-target animals. Primary hazards occur 

when the non-target animal eats the bait. Secondary 

hazards occur when a non-target animal eats a dead or 

dying prairie dog that has been poisoned. When oral 

toxicants are used, most prairie dogs die within their 

burrow system. While relatively rare, some may die on the 

surface. These carcasses pose a secondary hazard to nontarget animals that might eat them. This is especially true 

when anticoagulant rodenticides are used since the active 

ingredient can persist for some time in tissues. As such, it 

is recommended that a few days after a baiting operation, 

field crews search for carcasses in the treated area and 

bury the carcasses or remove and incinerate them. 

Additionally, oral toxicant use is not allowed if livestock are 

grazing in the area. 

Fumigants

Burrow fumigants are another type of toxicant for prairie 

dogs. Products include gas cartridges or pellets/tablets/

bags.

Figure 7. Plain grain (left) and zinc phosphide coated grain (right). 
Fumigants are not target-specific. They require more 

effort and are more costly than oral toxicants. It is 

generally assumed that all vertebrates in the burrow are 

killed when burrow fumigants are used. 

Gas cartridges have a long history of being used for 

prairie dog management as well as some other 

burrowing mammals. There are two gas cartridge products 

currently registered for prairie dog control. Both are 

classified as general use (not restricted use) products 

containing 53% sodium nitrate, 28% charcoal (containing 

carbon), and 19% inert ingredients. The sodium nitrate and 

carbon react to produce primarily carbon monoxide along 

with other lethal gases in minor quantities when ignited. A 

cartridge is lighted, placed as deep as possible within the 

prairie dog burrow, and the burrow opening is sealed using 

rocks, soil and/or newspaper. Death occurs when the lethal 

gases are inhaled. 

The Gas Cartridge (EPA Reg. No. 56228-61) can be used by 

any person 16 years old or older according to the label. The 

APHIS-Only Gas Cartridge (EPA Reg. No. 56228-2) can only 

be used by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services applicators (Figure 

8). Information on registration status and availability of 

these products in individual States may be obtained from 

the respective State’s pesticide regulatory agency and 

USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services.

Aluminum phosphide and magnesium phosphide 

fumigant products are pellets/tablets/bags that are 

placed in the burrow. The burrow is then sealed. Product 

placement inside the burrow can be facilitated by using 

a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. Insert the pipe deep into 

the burrow and deliver the products by dropping them 

into the pipe. Aluminum phosphide and magnesium 

phosphide products release highly toxic hydrogen 

phosphide or phosphine gas. Burrow fumigation with 

these active ingredients is most effective after 

precipitation or irrigation when soil moisture levels are 

high. This activates the chemicals (i.e., converts them to 

toxic gases) and keeps the gases in the burrow. These 

products are restricted use pesticides and can only be 

used by certified pesticide applicators. Applicators must 

follow all pesticide label requirements.

Trapping

Trapping can be used in some settings to manage prairie 

dog populations. Trapping rules and regulations vary by 

State. Consult local laws and regulations prior to using any 

traps. Trapping is generally considered too expensive and 

time consuming to be effective for long-term prairie dog 

management.

Trapper training may be required prior to receiving a 

trapper’s license and actively trapping. Check with the 

State wildlife agency for requirements and training 

opportunities. If none exist, the Association of Fish and 

Wildlife Agencies and some States offer online training. 

Live trapping of prairie dogs involves cage traps, such as 

box traps (Figure 9). The traps are baited with a grain, such 

as oats. The grain can be flavored with corn oil or anise oil.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 7

Figure 8. A USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services employee prepares a gas cartridge for 

use on a prairie dog burrow.
the animal. Keep a live prairie dog cool or in a shaded area 

to avoid heat-related injury. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association provides 

guidelines for euthanizing small mammals. Generally, 

vertebrates are euthanized with the use of carbon dioxide 

(CO2). Some veterinarians prefer that the animals are first 

anesthetized with isoflourane before the use of CO2.

Disposal

Follow local and State regulations regarding carcass 

disposal. In some disease-related cases, deep burial or 

incineration may be warranted. When removing prairie 

dogs with restricted use pesticides, follow label 

instructions for proper carcass disposal. Care must also be 

taken with the disposal of carcasses that contain 

euthanasia drugs. Deep burial or incineration is required to 

avoid secondary hazards to animals that may feed on the 

carcass. 

Page 8 WDM Technical Series─Prairie Dogs

It is often recommended that the door of the trap be wired 

open and the trap pre-baited for a few days before the trap 

is set to capture a prairie dog. This allows prairie dogs to 

become comfortable with visiting the traps. Captured 

prairie dogs can be immuno-contracepted and released, 

euthanized, or relocated to another site in some situations. 

Check with local authorities or the State wildlife agency for 

available options.

Lethal trapping with body gripping traps can be used to 

manage prairie dogs (Figure 10). Check with local 

authorities or the State wildlife agency for available 

options. The trap is set and then placed over the burrow

opening. When the prairie dog enters or leaves the burrow, 

it triggers the trap in a manner similar to mouse traps, 

causing the two rotating jaws to close quickly, striking the 

animal’s neck or chest and leading to death.

Handling and Euthanasia

Wear protective equipment (i.e., gloves, safety glasses) 

when handling live or dead prairie dogs. Avoid contact with 

claws, teeth, blood, saliva, urine, or feces. Wear a longsleeved shirt, long socks, and long pants to avoid flea 

bites.

When working with a live-captured prairie dog, move slowly 

and deliberately. Speak in a calm voice to reduce stress on 

Figure 10. Body gripping trap placed over prairie dog burrow entrance. State laws 

must be followed when using this method. 

Figure 9. Black-tailed prairie dog in a live cage trap.
Economics

There are relatively few publications on the economic costs 

associated with prairie dog damage. This may be because 

most damage is localized and not overly costly. Commonly 

damaged items include landscaping and gardens; 

underground cables and tubing; and the structural integrity 

of roads and airport runways.

The loss of forage on grazing lands and, to a lesser extent, 

the loss of lands for agricultural crops, are the main 

economic costs associated with prairie dogs. Livestock 

forage production can be reduced by as much as 50% from 

prairie dog foraging and clipping of vegetation to maintain 

an open landscape. In Nebraska, annual losses of livestock 

forage from prairie dogs were estimated near $20 million 

per year from 2015 to 2018.

The economic benefits of prairie dogs as a keystone 

species in prairie ecosystems are currently unknown. 

However, the unique conditions they maintain provide 

necessary habitat for many plant and animal species, 

including rare and endangered species, such as mountain 

plovers (Charadrius montanus), burrowing owls (Athene 

cunicularia), and black-footed ferrets.

Species Overview

Identification

Prairie dogs are rodents belonging to the genus Cynomys. 

They are in the Family Sciuridae and the Order Rodentia. 

They mainly occur in the grasslands and prairies in central 

North America from Mexico north to Canada. There are five 

species of prairie dogs that occur in North America: the 

black-tailed (Cynomys ludovicianus; Figure 1), Gunnison’s 

(C. gunnisoni), Mexican (C. mexicanus), Utah (C. parvidens; 

Figure 11), and white-tailed (C. leucurus). The most 

abundant and widespread of these species is the blacktailed prairie dog.

Physical Description

Prairie dogs are stocky rodents with rounded ears and 

short limbs and tails. They use their muscular limbs and 

sharp claws for digging. Prairie dogs have rather coarse fur 

that is generally sandy-brown or cinnamon in color. The fur 

has black and buff-colored tips. The belly fur is generally 

white or light cream-colored. The black-tailed and Mexican 

prairie dogs have black-tipped tails, whereas the whitetailed, Gunnison’s, and Utah prairie dogs have white-tipped 

tails. The black-tailed prairie dog is the most common 

prairie dog species and is somewhat larger than the other 

species. Adults weigh about 2 to 3 pounds (lbs) (0.9 to 1.4 

kilograms (kg)) and are about 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 

centimeters (cm)) in length.

Range

Black-tailed prairie dogs once ranged over much of the 

grasslands of central North America. It has been estimated 

that they historically occupied as much as 104 million 

acres. However, their range has greatly diminished due to 

land use changes and control efforts. It has been 

estimated that black-tailed prairie dogs now occupy about 

2.4 million acres in 11 states in the United States, and 

parts of Mexico and Canada (Figure 12). New laws and 

regulations, conservation efforts, and a reduction in the 

use of damage management methods, including toxicants, 

has helped prairie dogs to reestablish in parts of their 

historical range. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 9

Figure 11. The Utah (pictured) and Mexican prairie dogs are listed under the 

Endangered Species Act as threatened and endangered, respectively.
Less is known about the historical range of the other 

prairie dog species. Currently, the white-tailed prairie dog 

ranges from extreme southcentral Montana, through 

Wyoming into western Colorado, and northeastern Utah. 

Gunnison’s prairie dogs occur in northern Arizona, 

southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, and 

extreme southeastern Utah. The Mexican prairie dog is only 

found in Mexico and the Utah prairie dog is only found in 

southern Utah.

Tracks and Sign

Prairie dogs, especially black-tailed prairie dogs, are 

obvious because they are active during the day and there 

are numerous burrow openings and mounds scattered 

throughout their colonies. Paths may be seen where they 

travel frequently between burrow openings. Clipped 

vegetation is also evident throughout the colony. 

Tracks and fecal pellets can be seen around burrow 

openings. Tracks are about the size of a quarter dollar with 

long claws on front prints. Front prints only show 4 of the 5 

toes, while all 5 of the toes are visible on hind prints. Fecal 

pellets are small and oblong, measuring about 0.1 to 0.2 

inches (0.3 to 0.5 cm) in length. They can often be 

connected by narrow filaments to create a cord five to six 

times longer than wide.

Voice and Sounds

Prairie dogs are very social. When they are above ground, 

they are often chattering or chirping. When they are 

frightened, such as when they detect a predator, they 

make a “barking” alarm call, and all nearby individuals will 

scramble into their burrows. They usually stay underground 

for a few minutes before slowly and cautiously emerging 

again. The “barking” call is why the French fur-trappers 

from the 1700s and 1800s called them prairie “dogs.” 

Page 10 WDM Technical Series─Prairie Dogs

Figure 12. Estimated range maps for five prairie dog species.
Burrows

Prairie dogs have extensive burrow systems (Figure 13). 

There are usually about 20 to 50 burrow entrances per 

acre (50 to 125 burrow entrances per hectare), 

depending on the species. Burrows are usually about 3 

to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters (m)) deep and may extend 

about 15 feet (4.6 m) underground. When constructing 

a burrow, they push soil to the surface which forms a 

mound around the burrow entrance. The mound 

consists of compacted soil and can be up to 2 feet (0.6 

m) high. The mound provides a lookout station for the 

prairie dogs where they can watch for approaching 

predators. The mound also prevents water from 

entering the burrow and may help with burrow 

ventilation. 

Prairie dog burrows are used by many other animal 

species, such as rabbits, skunks, small rodents, blackfooted ferrets, reptiles, and various invertebrates. 

Burrowing owls often occur in prairie dog colonies and use 

the burrows for safety and nesting.

Reproduction

Prairie dogs reach sexual maturity in their first or second 

winter, depending on the species. Unlike rats and mice, 

they only breed and bear young once a year. Breeding 

occurs in January or March; later in more northern locales. 

The females bear up to 6 young after a gestation period of 

about 34 days. The young are born hairless, blind, and 

helpless. They remain in the burrows for about 6 weeks 

before emerging. This is usually in May or June, and they 

are weaned shortly thereafter. They are nearly full grown by 

the end of their first fall.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 11

Figure 13. Artistic representation of prairie dog burrow system. 
Mortality

Young prairie dogs have high survival rates and adults can 

live 5 to 8 years. The main source of mortality is predation. 

Predators include foxes, black-footed ferrets, coyotes, 

badgers, weasels, along with hawks and eagles. Snakes 

mainly kill young prairie dogs. Other sources of mortality 

include roadkill, starvation, weather, parasites, and 

disease. Prairie dogs are very susceptible to plague. 

Population Status

Prairie dog colonies generally do well unless their habitat is 

greatly modified or developed, or control measures are 

applied. Contact State wildlife and agriculture agencies for 

population information regarding specific colonies.

Habitat

Prairie dogs are found in prairies and grasslands 

throughout central North America. They prefer open areas 

with low vegetation. They avoid shrubby or forested areas. 

Heavy grazing by bison (Bison bison) or cattle creates good 

habitat for prairie dogs. Once established, the prairie dogs 

themselves can maintain the short vegetation by their 

foraging and clipping of plants. Colony density depends 

upon the quality of the habitat. Colonies can expand if 

quality habitat is not too far away and is found by 

dispersing individuals.

Behavior

Prairie dogs are very social animals that live in colonies. A 

colony is comprised of numerous extended family groups 

called “coteries.” A coterie consists of an adult male, 

several (usually 3 to 4) adult females, and their offspring. 

Female offspring often remain with the coterie, whereas 

male offspring will usually disperse once they are 1 to 2 

years old. After dispersing, males will form their own 

coterie. Prairie dogs are often observed grooming each 

other, playing, and chasing each other. The adult male of 

the coterie will chase away other males trying to invade his 

coterie.

Page 12 WDM Technical Series─Prairie Dogs

Prairie dogs are active during the day (diurnal) and 

spend the night in their burrows. Black-tailed and 

Mexican prairie dogs are active all year round, but may 

stay in their burrows for several days during severe 

winter weather. They may also stay in their burrows 

during the hottest part of the day in the summer. Whitetailed, Gunnison’s, and Utah prairie dogs are obligate 

hibernators.

Food Habits

Prairie dogs prefer to eat grasses, but will also eat some 

forbs. More forbs are eaten in the fall and winter once 

the grasses wither and decline. Prairie dogs also eat 

some invertebrates, such as insects. 

When foraging, prairie dogs clip plants close to the 

ground. This maintains good visibility for the prairie dogs 

so that they can watch for approaching predators.

Prairie dogs can go for long periods without drinking 

water directly because they obtain moisture from the 

vegetation they eat.

Legal Status

Some prairie dog species are considered “unprotected” 

or “nuisance” species. In situations where they cause 

damage, they can be controlled or killed without a 

permit or license. Many States require people to obtain 

a small game license before shooting prairie dogs. 

Utah and Mexican prairie dogs are listed as threatened 

or endangered species and are protected by law. 

Contact the State wildlife agency and/or the U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service for specific requirements and 

options regarding damage management for these 

species. 
U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 13

Acknowledgements

Figure 1. Photo by Adobe Stock

Figure 2. Photo by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services Gail Keirn

Figure 3. Photo by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

Figure 4. Photo by @World Wildlife Fund– US/Conservation Media 

Figure 5. Photo by Adobe Stock

Figure 6. Photo by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services Gail Keirn

Figure 7. Photo by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

Figure 8. Photo by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

Figure 9. Photo by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services Gail Keirn

Figure 10. Photo by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services Justin Hendricks

Figure 11. Photo by Adobe Stock

Figure 12. Graphic by University of Nebraska

Figure 13. Graphic by National Park Service

We thank Martin Lowney, John Paulson, and Aaron Shiels for providing critical reviews of this publication. 

Glossary

Bait shyness: When an animal will no longer eat toxicant 

bait because it associates the bait with the ill feelings. This 

may happen after an animal eats a nonlethal dose of the 

bait. 

Coterie: Prairie dog family group consisting of an adult 

male, several (usually 3 to 4) adult females, and their 

offspring 

Diurnal: Active only during the day.

Forb: a non-woody flowering plant other than a grass.

Keystone species: A species that modifies the environment 

to the benefit of other species.

Obligate hibernator: A species that spontaneously enters 

hibernation each year regardless of ambient temperatures 

and access to food.

Plague: A disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis 

which can cause illness or death in many species of 

animals, including people and pets.

Keywords

Prairie dogs, Keystone species, Colonies, Coterie

Disclaimer

Wildlife can threaten the health and safety of you and 

others in the area. Use of damage prevention and control 

methods also may pose risks to humans, pets, livestock, 

other non-target animals, and the environment. Be aware 

of the risks and take steps to reduce or eliminate those 

risks. 

Some methods mentioned in this document may not be 

legal, permitted, or appropriate in your area. Read and 

follow all pesticide label recommendations and local 

requirements. Check with personnel from your State 

wildlife agency and local officials to determine if methods 

are acceptable and allowed. 

Mention of any products, trademarks, or brand names 

does not constitute endorsement, nor does omission 

constitute criticism. 

Citation

Witmer, G., J. Grant and K. Cross. 2023. Prairie Dogs. 

Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, 

APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, 

Colorado. 16p.
Page 14

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U.S. Department of Agriculture
Appendix 

Damage Management Methods for Prairie Dogs

 

 

Type of Control 

 

Available Management Options 

Habitat Modification Maintain tall vegetation or grain crops to prevent prairie dog expansion

Disease Management • Spraying for fleas in and near prairie dog burrows to prevent sylvatic plague (e.g., deltamethrin

insecticide)

• Non-toxic grain bait with insecticide (e.g., imidacloprid, fipronil)

• Oral plague vaccine bait

Exclusion • Fencing 

• Tall vegetation

Fertility Control GonaCon-Prairie Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 56228-64); May require State permits

Frightening Devices Limited long-term effectiveness

Relocation May requires appropriate Federal and/or State permits

Repellents None registered for use with prairie dogs

Shooting May require use of non-toxic/non-lead ammunition and/or allowed with proper Federal and/or 

State permits 

Toxicants • Zinc phosphide

• Chlorophacinone 

• Diphacinone 

• Fumigants—Gas cartridges (EPA Reg. Nos. 56228-61 and 56228-2) ; Aluminum phosphide and 

magnesium phosphide pellets/tablets/bags

Trapping Cage traps and body-gripping traps; May require Federal and/or State permits

Vaccine Oral plague vaccine bait manufactured by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services in partnership with 

Colorado Serum Company

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